There is so much at Heathdale for our students to be involved in, and it is a joy to see them discovering and developing their God-given gifts. Each child is uniquely created in God’s image, with something special to offer. I often reflect on my own children and recognise that without the opportunities they were given, some of their talents may never have flourished. How truly blessed we are to be part of a community that nurtures this growth.
This is why we place such value on providing a wide range of co-curricular opportunities for our students. These experiences enrich learning and help children to grow in confidence, creativity and connection. However, they do not come without cost. Many of our staff generously give up their own time, often during lunch breaks or beyond the school day, to make these opportunities possible. In the context of an already full and demanding school day, this is no small offering. We are deeply grateful for the commitment and servant-heartedness of our teachers.
At times, these opportunities are so well received that demand exceeds what we can offer, a wonderful challenge that speaks to the enthusiasm of our students.
Art Club: Mrs Esterhuizen so generously leads this across multiple year levels: Tuesday (Year 6), Wednesday (Year 4), Thursday (Year 5) and Friday (Year 3) lunchtimes, all in addition to her regular teaching load. This is a remarkable contribution and one that is making a meaningful difference in the lives of many students.
Aerobics: This is run by Miss Brisbane for Years 3-6 students on Tuesdays at lunch. Students enjoy learning an aerobics routine to music and work towards a performance at the beginning of Term 3.
Netball Training: Mrs West runs this on Mondays at lunch for Years 5-6. In these sessions, students enhance their technical skills and practise playing together as a team in preparation for a one-day interschool competition later in Term 3.
French Poetry: Mrs West also runs practice sessions for Years 5-6 students participating in the French Poetry Competition on Wednesdays at lunch. During this time, students learn to understand the French vocabulary in their poem and practise pronunciation leading up to the competition date in Term 2. They work together and encourage each other as they extend their French language skills.
Recorder Ensemble: This runs on Fridays for Years 5-6 and is led by our new music teacher, Miss Scriven. In these rehearsals, students are taught how to play recorder duets and prepare to perform with the Assembly Ensemble at Module Assemblies. Any Year 5 or 6 students who can play ‘B A G’ (or more notes) are welcome to bring their own recorders to use. Additionally, students are being introduced to larger sizes, including alto, tenor and bass recorders, which are provided.
Minecraft Club: Held on Wednesdays for Year 5 students, run by Mr Cutler, and Year 6 students, run by Mrs Schilling. This enables students to play and work together in a hosted ‘Minecraft: Education Edition’ world. They use teamwork and creativity to solve challenges, build together and work towards shared goals.
Bible Study: Led by Mr Baird, this runs on Tuesday lunchtime for Years 5-6 students. During this time, students from all backgrounds are welcome to come and learn about the Bible and pray together. This semester, students will be journeying through the book of Matthew.
Coding Club: Run by Mr Wheelan for Years 6 students on Mondays.
Years 1-2 Choir: Run weekly by Mrs Hernandez on Wednesdays. Students come together at lunch to sing, focusing on simple songs sung in unison or as a round. With enough practise, they have opportunities to perform at primary assemblies and concerts.
P-2 Sensory Space: This space provides a supportive and responsive environment for select students who benefit from additional sensory input or opportunities for regulation before the afternoon session begins. It also offers a calm, structured alternative for students who may find the busy playground environment overwhelming at times. Located in the ELC MPR and supervised by a teacher and learning assistant, the space includes a range of carefully chosen activities such as obstacle courses, sensory kits, calming games and proprioceptive ‘heavy work’ tasks to support students in regulating their bodies and emotions. The program is flexible and responsive, with activities adapted based on individual needs, ensuring a balance between calming and active experiences. Ultimately, the Sensory Space aims to equip students with the tools they need to return to learning settled, focused and ready to engage.
Music: Of course, we also have the many music opportunities provided by Mrs Baker, including Concert Band on Monday mornings, String Orchestra on Tuesday mornings and Primary Band on Wednesday mornings. We are also hoping to commence a Year 3-4 Choir and Year 5-6 Choir in Term 2, once the Musical has finished and depending on the timetable.
We require an accompanist for both choirs, so if you have piano accompanying skills, hold a WWCC and are available on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday lunchtime, please reach out to the Primary Office. We would love to hear from you.
Coming in Term 2…
Mrs Ribarsky will be running Art Club for Years 1-2.
Ms Sega will be running a LEGO Club for Years 3-4 at lunchtime.
Soon, we will be asking parents if they have any time and talents they would be willing to offer to our students. Stay tuned for more information coming soon.